Philippines removes floating barriers installed by China in disputed waters

Manila decided to implement this measure and dismantle the Chinese facility at the behest of president Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who insisted on the removal of the 300-meter barrier. Created a “danger to navigation”.

“In accordance with the President’s instructions, Eduardo Año, Chief of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (Manila’s name for the South China Sea), asked the Philippine Coast Guard to conduct a special operation. Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said via his social networks “Bajo operation to remove the floating barrier blocking the southeast entrance to de Masinloc,” he said.

Previously, Philippine officials condemned the installation of these barriers and stated that it was a “violation of fishing rights”. Thus, they warned that “they will take timely measures to remove these obstacles and protect the rights of fishermen.”

Teresita Daza, a spokeswoman for the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, said the Philippines “will do everything in its power to protect the country’s sovereignty and the livelihood of fishermen.”

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any involvement in the installation of this barrier and assured that it was the Philippine ship that entered Chinese territorial waters near the island of Huangyan, which is the Chinese name for Bajo de Masinloc.

Beijing emphasized reaction “professional” And “contained” According to the Chinese newspaper ‘Global Times’, he is his country’s coast guard.

300 meters barrier

SundayThe Philippine Coast Guard reported that a 300-meter floating barrier was installed southeast of the sand areaIt is also known as Scarborough Shoal. The installation of barriers prevented Filipino fishermen from entering the coast, where fish were abundant and fishermen could work offshore without danger.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines and rejected China’s claims to the waters in the region. In addition, the court ruled that China acted “illegally” And? lacks “historical rights” to hold on to in this regard.

Likewise, the institution concluded that China’s patrols in the region threatened the integrity of Philippine fishing boats and warned about the damage caused to coral reefs by various studies carried out in recent years.

Manila has argued many times that no island or reef in the Spratly Islands is large enough to warrant an exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Up to 200 nautical miles to China. On the other hand, he claims that the sandbox is located within the EEZ corresponding to the island of Luzon and therefore belongs to the Philippines.